You’ve likely already heard about cleansing conditioners or the term co-washing—it’s not a new concept in the beauty world. The basic premise: Using a cleansing conditioner to wash your hair, rather than traditional shampoo, is gentler and more hydrating for your hair. When you co-wash, that cleansing conditioner does the job of both shampoo and conditioner in one fell swoop, removing excess dirt and oil while also smoothing and softening your hair. The gentler part of things comes into play because cleansing conditioners don’t contain sulfates, the detergents found in some shampoos, which can admittedly be harsh and stripping. And that’s exactly why co-washing first became a thing for those with curly and natural hair, given that those textures are more prone to dryness and frizz. As we said, this is all kind of old news, but what is new and noteworthy is the increased popularity of co-washing for all other hair types and textures. Show
Meet the Expert Bradley Leake is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and hair colorist. He has extensive training in precision hair cutting, dimensional hair color, balayage, extensions, and red carpet hair styling. So if you’re on the hunt for the best cleansing conditioner that’s right for your hair, look no further for expert advice from celeb hairstylist Bradley Leake, and our product picks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner at AmazonJump to Review Best Budget: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm at AmazonJump to Review Best Budget, Runner-Up: Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-WashJump to Review Best Drugstore: Pantene Deep Hydrating Co-Wash at AmazonJump to Review Best for Curly Hair: Ouidad Weightless Cleansing ConditionerJump to Review Best for Color-Treated Hair: Nexxus Color Assure Cleansing Conditioner at AmazonJump to Review Best for Natural Hair: Mizani True Textures Cleansing Conditioner at SephoraJump to Review Best for Dry Hair: Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Co-Wash at AmazonJump to Review Best for Straight Hair: Mixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash Shampoo Alternative at UltaJump to Review Best for Fine Hair: WEN by Chaz Dean Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner at QVCJump to Review In This Article Expand
Best OverallUnwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner4.7  Amazon View On Amazon View On QVC What We Like
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Who else recommends it? Women's Health, Woman's World, and Good Housekeeping all picked the Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner. What do buyers say? 82% of 1,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Per our point about co-washing being an effective option for all hair types, this formula does, in fact, work well on everything from super straight hair to kinky curls. It’s also safe for color- and/or chemically-treated hair, and may even help your hair dry faster afterward. Rather than using sulfates or soaps, it relies on cationic cleansers that work like magnets to remove dirt, oil, and other unwanted grime. Science is so cool. Price at time of publish: $10 Hair Type: All | Size: 2.5 fl. oz., 13.5 fl. oz., or 33.8 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Best BudgetL'Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target What We Like
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Think of this as a deep conditioner that transforms into a cleanser. Sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free, it moisturizes and adds mirror-like shine while also cleaning your hair and scalp without drying them out. Oh, and did we mention it costs less than most lunches? FYI, for the best results, let it sit on the hair for three to five minutes. Price at time of publish: $15 Hair Type: Dry | Size: 16.9 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Best Budget, Runner-UpKristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-WashAmazon View on Ulta View On Amazon What We Like
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Celebrity hairstylist Bradley Leake says it’s one of his favorite drugstore buys. Great for medium to coarse curl types, it shields hair from frizz-causing humidity. Plus, we’d be remiss not to mention the super chic packaging that’s even more noteworthy given that affordable price tag. Price at time of publish: $15 Hair Type: Curly, Natural | Size: 8.45 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes The 14 Best Leave-in Conditioners for Curly Hair of 2023 Best DrugstorePantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-WashAmazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart What We Like
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This low-lather, extra-gentle formula is packed with argan oil to add plenty of softness and strengthen hair against potential damage. While this line was formulated for African-American and textured hair, it can be used on any thicker or coarser hair; try replacing your standard shampoo and conditioner with this one-step option every other time you wash. Price at time of publish: $10 Hair Type: Curly, Coily | Size: 15.2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Hands Down, These Are the Best Drugstore Deep Conditioners Best for Curly HairOuidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing ConditionerAmazon View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Ecosmetics.com What We Like
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As we mentioned, co-washing is beloved by curly girls as a great way to help retain moisture in their hair, and this is an especially great pick. It’s a favorite of Leake, who lauds it for not only effectively cleansing and hydrating but also containing nutrients, such as rice bran oil, that help repair and strengthen hair. To that point, this formula is also ideal for improving the elasticity of curls, always a good thing. Price at time of publish: $12 Hair Type: Frizzy | Size: 3.2 fl. oz. or 16.9 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes The 16 Best Scalp Scrubs of 2022 Best for Color-Treated HairNexxus Color Assure Cleansing Conditioner for Color Treated HairView On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like
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The harsh detergents found in many traditional shampoos can not only take a toll on the health of your hair, but they can also do a number on your color, stripping out the dye molecules much faster than you’d like. That’s why cleansing conditioners are such a great solution for anyone who colors their hair; we’re especially partial to this one. Along with the fact that it’s clinically proven to extend color vibrancy (NBD), it also has a special blend of proteins that helps to strengthen. And that’s super important, given that the coloring process damages many of the amino acids and protein naturally found in your hair. Price at time of publish: $17 Hair Type: Color-Treated | Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Best for Natural HairMizani True Textures Cream Cleansing ConditionerCourtesy of Sephora View On Sephora What We Like
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No matter whether your natural texture is wavy, a little curly, or coiled, this is a great option. Three different oils—coconut, marula, and olive—work in tandem to add plenty of moisture, shine, and softness to your natural curl pattern, while also warding off frizz. It’s a favorite of Leake’s, who points out that it’s great for everyday use as well. Price at time of publish: $28 Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily | Size: 16.9 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes The 22 Best Anti-Frizz Products of 2022 For Smooth, Silky Hair Best for Dry HairBriogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado + Quinoa Co-WashCourtesy of Briogeo View On Amazon View On The Detox Market What We Like
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Textures aside, the innately moisturizing, non-stripping nature of a cleansing conditioner makes it ideal for anyone with dry hair. The stars of the show here are moisturizing shea butter and avocado oil. Quinoa extract piggy-backs off that dream team combo, helping to bolster the strength of your hair. And not only is this formula sulfate-free, but it’s also free of silicones, phthalates, parabens, and dyes, a smart choice for those who have an easily irritated scalp. Price at time of publish: $32 Hair Type: Dry | Size: 16.0 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes The 20 Best Hair Brushes for Every Hair Type and Length Best for Straight HairMixed Chicks Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash Shampoo AlternativeView On Ulta What We Like
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Believe it, you can use a co-wash even if you have straight hair. Try this guy, a no-lather option that relies on a trio of olive, jojoba, and castor oils. It effectively removes grime, hydrates, and helps detangle the hair (always nice for those who have straight hair that is prone to snarls) but doesn’t leave behind any residue or build-up, the last thing you want if you have straight hair. Price at time of publish: $10 Hair Type: All | Size: 8.0 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best for Fine HairWEN by Chaz Dean Cucumber Aloe Cleansing ConditionerCourtesy of QVC View On QVC What We Like
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The Wen cleansing conditioners might be some of the best known out there, not to mention that the line offers a ton of variety. For finer textures, we’re partial to this option, the lightest formula of them all. It uses aloe to moisturize without weighing down the hair and also contains witch hazel to help clarify the scalp. A boon for those with fine hair, which also tend to be prone to having oilier scalps. Price at time of publish: $58 Hair Type: All | Size: 32.0 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best FoamR+Co Analog Cleansing Foam ConditionerCourtesy of R+Co View On Amazon View On Dermstore What We Like
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Generally speaking, most cleansing conditioners don’t really lather, so if you’re craving some suds, reach for this option. The foam cleanses while also delivering a laundry list of good-for-your hair ingredients, think softening argan oil, antioxidant-rich green tea, and even a thermal polymer to ward off heat styling-induced damage. And the bonus of the foam formula? It’s super weightless, especially ideal if you have finer hair that’s easily weighed down. Price at time of publish: $34 Hair Type: Color-Treated, Dry, Coarse | Size: 5.75 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No The 13 Best Heat Protectants for Hair of 2023 Best ScentPaul Mitchell Lavender Mint Moisturizing CowashView on Ulta View On Amazon What We Like
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“Infused with tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint, this co-wash transforms your everyday shower into a spa-like experience,” says Leake. And really, who doesn’t want that, especially on a sleepy morning? Rich and creamy, this is an especially good option for those with coarse, dry hair, as it helps lock in natural oils and fight frizz, too. Price at time of publish: $33 Hair Type: Curly, Dry, Coarse | Size: 16.9 fl. oz. or 33.8 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Final VerdictCleansing conditioners are a good option for more than just the curly set. The Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner (view at Amazon) is our universal favorite, a great choice no matter whether you have super straight hair or kinky curls. But on the point of curly hair, the Ouidad Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner (view at Ulta) is ideal for those with all types of curls. And be sure to check out the variety of amazing, affordable cleansing conditioners to be found at the drugstore. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm (view at Amazon), which is great for all textures, and a favorite for curls, the Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash (view at Ulta), are both prime examples, as is the Nexxus Color Assure Cleansing Conditioner for Color Treated Hair (view at Walmart), great for those with color-treated hair. What To Look For in a Cleansing ConditionerSulfate-FreeThis one should be a given, but it’s always a good idea to triple-check and make sure your cleansing conditioner doesn’t contain any potentially drying or stripping sulfates. Argan OilLeake is quick to note that exactly what type of cleansing conditioner you choose, and the particular ingredients you should seek out, are very much dependent on your unique hair type. If you have curly hair, look for argan oil: “It’s moisturizing and won’t weigh down curls, just detangle and soften them, and even if your hair is fine or thin it won’t leave it greasy,” he says. Coconut OilPer the previous point, this thicker and richer oil is better suited for those with thick, coarse textures, who don’t have to worry about their hair looking flat or being weighed down, says Leake. FAQ
How We ResearchedTo compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list. Why Trust ByrdieByrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. As someone who has oily hair and has to wash it daily, she’s always on the hunt for options that will allow her to do so without over-drying her hair or stripping her color—like a cleansing conditioner. The 13 Best Diffusers for Curly Hair of 2023 Article Sources Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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The best co wash for curly hair
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